Wudao Gully

Wudao Gully

The Wudao Gully Scenic Area is situated in the northwestern part of Weichang County, within the forest area under the jurisdiction of the Mulan Forest Bureau, with a total area of 48.3 square kilometers. It is the location of one of the seventy-two hunting grounds of the Qing Dynasty’s “Mulan Paddock” (the Hālǎnguī Ground, with “Hālǎnguī” being a Mongolian term meaning “blackened land”) and is now one of the most well-preserved natural “paddocks.” It mainly includes three major scenic zones: Wudao Gully, Longtan Gully, and Lianyinzhai.

The Wudao Gully Scenic Area boasts rich biodiversity, with 693 species of plants from 382 genera and 96 families, including 21 species under national protection; and 235 species of terrestrial vertebrates from 145 genera and 67 families, among which 201 are under national protection. The abundant flora and fauna, along with the complex landform features, have created the picturesque natural landscape of the Wudao Gully Scenic Area. With its unique natural sights—mountains, rocks, water, forests, and grasslands—the scenic area captivates every visitor. Travelers often exclaim that it is truly the “Jiuzhaigou of the Frontier” or “the most beautiful place in China in autumn.”

Since construction began in 2002, a total of 8.8 million yuan has been invested in the Wudao Gully Scenic Area. Infrastructure and service facilities such as roads, water and electricity, communications, a reception service center, and fast-food outlets have been completed. The development of scenic spots is also progressing in an orderly manner according to the overall plan. Currently, the main completed attractions include: an archway styled like an ancient elm tree, a botanical garden, statues of Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong on hunting expeditions, a horse racing field, a hundred-flower garden, a fire watchtower, a wetland landscape viewing garden, the Three Immortals Cave, and the Longtan Waterfall.